CON 3990 EXAM MASTERY GUIDE:
FAR PARTS QUESTIONS, ANSWERS,
AND RATIONALES – A COMPLETE
STUDY RESOURCE FOR
CONTRACTING PROFESSIONALS AND
ACQUISITION CERTIFICATION
CANDIDATES
Questions 1-25: FAR System Fundamentals and Definitions
1. What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)?
Answer: To codify uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all
executive agencies.
Rationale: The FAR is codified at Title 48 of the Code of Federal
Regulations and provides a consistent set of policies across government
agencies. This standardization ensures fairness, transparency, and efficiency
in federal procurement .
,2. How is the FAR organized to support efficient reference?
Answer: It is organized into Parts, Subparts, Sections, and Subsections
using a decimal-based numbering system (e.g., 1.602-2).
Rationale: This systematic structure allows contracting professionals to
quickly locate specific guidance. The decimal system provides a logical
hierarchy from broad topics to specific procedures .
3. How many Parts comprise the FAR?
Answer: 53 Parts.
Rationale: The FAR consists of 53 Parts organized into 8 subchapters (A
through H). Each Part covers a specific area of acquisition policy, from
definitions (Part 2) to contract termination (Part 49) .
4. What is a "deviation" in FAR terminology?
Answer: The use of a procedure that is inconsistent with the FAR.
Rationale: FAR 1.403 defines a deviation as any action inconsistent with
FAR requirements. Individual deviations require approval from the head of
the contracting activity, while class deviations require FAR Council
authorization .
,5. According to FAR 1.108(b) regarding delegation of authority, what
is the general rule?
Answer: Each authority is delegable unless specifically stated otherwise.
Rationale: FAR 1.108(b) establishes that contracting authorities can
typically be delegated. This convention enables efficient operations while
maintaining accountability .
6. FAR Part 1 covers which major topic?
Answer: The Federal Acquisition Regulations System, including its purpose,
authority, issuance, and maintenance.
Rationale: FAR Part 1 establishes the foundational framework for the entire
regulation, explaining its authority, applicability, and how it is issued and
maintained .
7. FAR Part 2 is essential for understanding what aspect of the
regulation?
Answer: Definitions of Words and Terms that are frequently used in the
FAR.
Rationale: FAR Part 2 provides standardized definitions that ensure
consistent interpretation across the acquisition community. Understanding
these definitions is critical for proper application of FAR requirements .
, 8. What is the primary focus of FAR Part 12?
Answer: The acquisition of commercial items.
Rationale: FAR Part 12 implements statutory requirements for acquiring
commercial products and services. It streamlines the acquisition process for
commercial items and encourages their use .
9. FAR Part 31 provides guidance on:
Answer: Contract cost principles.
Rationale: FAR Part 31 establishes the cost principles and procedures for
determining the allowability of costs under government contracts. It defines
which costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable .
10. Which FAR Part contains the policies and procedures for
Acquisition Planning?
Answer: FAR Part 7.
Rationale: FAR Part 7 guides contracting officers in developing acquisition
plans that describe the strategy for meeting agency needs through contract
actions .
FAR PARTS QUESTIONS, ANSWERS,
AND RATIONALES – A COMPLETE
STUDY RESOURCE FOR
CONTRACTING PROFESSIONALS AND
ACQUISITION CERTIFICATION
CANDIDATES
Questions 1-25: FAR System Fundamentals and Definitions
1. What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)?
Answer: To codify uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all
executive agencies.
Rationale: The FAR is codified at Title 48 of the Code of Federal
Regulations and provides a consistent set of policies across government
agencies. This standardization ensures fairness, transparency, and efficiency
in federal procurement .
,2. How is the FAR organized to support efficient reference?
Answer: It is organized into Parts, Subparts, Sections, and Subsections
using a decimal-based numbering system (e.g., 1.602-2).
Rationale: This systematic structure allows contracting professionals to
quickly locate specific guidance. The decimal system provides a logical
hierarchy from broad topics to specific procedures .
3. How many Parts comprise the FAR?
Answer: 53 Parts.
Rationale: The FAR consists of 53 Parts organized into 8 subchapters (A
through H). Each Part covers a specific area of acquisition policy, from
definitions (Part 2) to contract termination (Part 49) .
4. What is a "deviation" in FAR terminology?
Answer: The use of a procedure that is inconsistent with the FAR.
Rationale: FAR 1.403 defines a deviation as any action inconsistent with
FAR requirements. Individual deviations require approval from the head of
the contracting activity, while class deviations require FAR Council
authorization .
,5. According to FAR 1.108(b) regarding delegation of authority, what
is the general rule?
Answer: Each authority is delegable unless specifically stated otherwise.
Rationale: FAR 1.108(b) establishes that contracting authorities can
typically be delegated. This convention enables efficient operations while
maintaining accountability .
6. FAR Part 1 covers which major topic?
Answer: The Federal Acquisition Regulations System, including its purpose,
authority, issuance, and maintenance.
Rationale: FAR Part 1 establishes the foundational framework for the entire
regulation, explaining its authority, applicability, and how it is issued and
maintained .
7. FAR Part 2 is essential for understanding what aspect of the
regulation?
Answer: Definitions of Words and Terms that are frequently used in the
FAR.
Rationale: FAR Part 2 provides standardized definitions that ensure
consistent interpretation across the acquisition community. Understanding
these definitions is critical for proper application of FAR requirements .
, 8. What is the primary focus of FAR Part 12?
Answer: The acquisition of commercial items.
Rationale: FAR Part 12 implements statutory requirements for acquiring
commercial products and services. It streamlines the acquisition process for
commercial items and encourages their use .
9. FAR Part 31 provides guidance on:
Answer: Contract cost principles.
Rationale: FAR Part 31 establishes the cost principles and procedures for
determining the allowability of costs under government contracts. It defines
which costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable .
10. Which FAR Part contains the policies and procedures for
Acquisition Planning?
Answer: FAR Part 7.
Rationale: FAR Part 7 guides contracting officers in developing acquisition
plans that describe the strategy for meeting agency needs through contract
actions .
